Leila Kashanipour

Leila Kashanipour is the founder of acclaimed jewellery brand LeiVanKash and our trusted London insider. Since the brand was launch three years ago, Leila's unique creations have been favoured by Olivia Palermo, Rita Ora and Leona Lewis. We are happy to present Leila's list of 'must-be' places in London. 

FOOD

At the moment there is a big buzz around Peruvian food in London, and I have to say Lima & Coya are definite winners for me! Coya is super trendy and Lima more about the food.
Other than that, for a chilled lunch or early dinner, the new Asian Brasserie by Novikov in Knightsbridge is very good for something easy. I recommend black cod fried rolls with mango sauce, duck salad, and kamchatka crab salad with avocado. For Italian food I really like Il Baretto. Buratta, truffle pizza and Dover Sole are amazing here. Their seasonal truffle pasta is very good too. Zaferrano is also a must-go Italian restaurant, but the best time to go is during the truffle season, and don't forget  Tiramisu, it’s delicious here. For Chinese food I love the bar area at China Tang in Dorchester hotel. It has a nice atmosphere, not too fancy, but just right for a cozy evening with friends. The food and service are fantastic here. I recommend black beef with bean sauce, it's excellent. For a nice afternoon tea I pop down to Aubaine or Berkeley Hotel. Aubain is also great for a cozy brunch. Order quail egg with wild mushrooms or egg Florentine with a thin slice of truffle. If Japanese is on my mind, I go to Zuma, Sumosan or Chisou.

IN FOCUS

I love my Knightsbridge area for its central location and great facilities. I do venture out to South Ken and Mayfair as well, for restaurants, meetings and shopping.

AFTER DARK

I like the 1st floor at the Arts Club, on Dover Street. It's very loungy and has a nice vibe.. Everything is good here. Loulou's for dinner and easy partying is nice on Thursdays and Saturdays. It's like younger version of Annabel's, and what Tramp used to be in the heydays. For drinks I recommend Zefi and Eclipse bars on Walton street.

SHOP

I love Harvey Nichols, where on the 4th floor, in the lifestyle section, my jewellery is stocked. I like their selection, because they bring all the established designers, yet they introduce new upcoming brands. They cover the classic cools with the new ones to watch. Matches is another favourite, they have great finds for the designer pieces. I don’t do much vintage shopping myself but, Portobello Market on Fridays & Saturdays, is always interesting for first-time visitors.... If you’re looking for unique vintage pieces I recommend Pandora Dressing Agency.

Duke of York square has good market food on Saturdays, the cheese selection is quite nice at times. There is another one in Marylebone, I haven’t been there personally but I’ve heard good things about it. Camden market in the East End can be fun on weekends.

Tags: Leila Kashanipour,LeiVanKash